West Indies vs India, 2023, 1st ODI: Visitors thrash hosts by 5 wickets

In a low-scoring game, visitors India thrashed the hosts West Indies by 5 wickets in the first ODI.

Despite India winning by 5 wickets, it was far from a competitive contest. Winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, India bowlers got off to an impressive start during the powerplay. Pandya, Shardul, and debutant Mukesh Kumar each made their mark, picking up a wicket apiece. However, the real destruction came through the spinners.

The wicket offered substantial turn, and Jadeja swiftly claimed three vital wickets. Then, Kuldeep was introduced, and in just three overs, he dismantled the West Indies innings, finishing with impressive figures of 4/6. Shai Hope was the lone resistance, scoring 43.

Jadeja and Kuldeep's Brilliance: The Spin Duo's Rampant Performance

In the first innings, the Indian spinners took center stage and completely dominated the game. Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav delivered exceptional performances, showcasing their bowling prowess and control over the match. Jadeja demonstrated his skill by taking three crucial wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav was in outstanding form, impressively claiming four wickets.

Their combined efforts were instrumental in dictating the course of the match, leading to the dismissal of the West Indies batting lineup, who were eventually bowled out for a total of 114 runs.

Jadeja surpasses Kapil Dev's Record as India's Leading Wicket-taker against West Indies in ODIs

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja etched his name in the books, surpassing the legendary Kapil Dev's record to become India's highest wicket-taker against the West Indies in One Day Internationals (ODIs) during the series opener in Barbados.

Heading into the ODI series against the West Indies, Jadeja was tied for the third spot with former India leg-spinner Anil Kumble, both boasting 41 wickets in 29 ODIs against the Caribbean side. Kapil Dev had an impressive record of dismissing 43 West Indies batsmen. However, during the match, Jadeja achieved a momentous feat by breaking Kapil Dev's record, taking his third wicket of the game when he dismissed Romario Shepherd in the 18th over.

In their pursuit of a modest target, India shuffled their batting order, with skipper Rohit Sharma coming in at number 7. This decision allowed Kishan, Suryakumar, Hardik, Jadeja, and even Shardul Thakur to be promoted in the lineup. Chasing a small total, the Indian batsmen were given the freedom to play aggressively.

Ishan Kishan seized the opportunity and played an explosive innings, smashing a fiery 50 and taking on the bowlers. While Gill and Surya fell to slip catches, and Hardik was unlucky to be run out, and Shardul's dismissal was quite comical, India maintained control of the chase throughout the innings.

In the end, India's victory was comprehensive, with their batsmen comfortably securing the win.